Why ACC doesn't do enough with your claims

Claims challenges and experience rating

Employers are not well treated with workplace claims, especially in one key area - claims.

ACC must do due diligence when accepting a claim as a workplace claim (yes, it' is so important it is in italics). This should include contacting you the employer checking whether the claim is indeed a legitimate workplace claim. ACC doesn’t do this because administratively it is too difficult (expensive). So, instead ACC openly auto-accepts all claims which goes against its own legislation under Sections 54 and 56. We understand why ACC does this however we do not think this is right. ACC must follow legislation. 

ACC’s actions can and does result in wrong claims being allocated to the employer which includes receiving penalties on their Experience Rating. Far too often we hear of claims being accepted that are not even workplace claims; or are pre-existing injuries; or are motor vehicle related; or cover repetitive strain injuries.  All of these often should not be applied to your company… yet ACC does. 

Successfully challenging claims

We have successfully challenged several claims on this matter under Sec 54 & 56 which means that they are removed from your Experience Rating profile. The ACC savings this creates varies depending on your levy code however, typically we are talking well over $5,000 over the three-year Experience Rating period. Please note, this does not impact the employee as we do not challenge their entitlement. This is purely about who should be liable under legislation and about doing the right thing. 

If you have had a workplace claim accepted over the last 80 days (per the date on the ACC letter of confirmation of the claim) then we would like to hear from you. If you wish us to challenge ACC on your behalf, we require the following information: 

Copy of the Letter of Claim, Confirmation received from ACC, Signing of an ACC Authority so we can act on your behalf Confirmation from you that ACC has not contacted your firm regarding this claim other than for payroll / weekly compensation matters.

 Jane Brunt who manages our ManageCLAIMS Division will oversee this work programme.  Jane is an ex ACC manager and knows the system very well. Please email her your interest. CLICK HERE You can also phone Jane on 0800 747 569 (0800 RISK NZ)